A Nigerian national, Charles Nnamdi Emesim, has been sentenced in the United States to 115 months in prison for his role in a wide-ranging internet fraud operation that stole more than $700,000 from victims.
The sentence was issued on Wednesday by U.S. District Judge Robert Wier, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Prosecutors said Emesim, 53, who lived in Newark, New Jersey, was found guilty of conspiracy to launder money linked to multiple online scams. The schemes included romance fraud, lottery and inheritance scams, fake investment offers, government impersonation, and medical-related fraud.
Authorities stated the operation ran from December 2013 to June 2024, during which Emesim allegedly maintained at least 17 bank accounts tied to his name and to companies such as Chadon Export and Chadon Trucking.
Investigators said at least 23 victims across the United States were persuaded to send funds through wire transfers, cash deposits, cashier’s cheques, and other payment methods into accounts linked to him. The total loss exceeded $700,000.
One case involved an elderly widow in Kentucky who was drawn into a romance scam involving a man using the identity “Michael Oliver.” She was later introduced to a supposed customs official, “Samuel Rock,” who claimed he could assist in transferring wealth.
Court records indicate she met the impersonator in person at Lexington airport, handed over additional funds, and was instructed to purchase items, including a tablet computer. Prosecutors said Emesim himself posed as the “customs agent” during the encounter.
Authorities also reported that the victim lost tens of thousands of dollars through cash payments, prepaid cards, gift cards, and cashier’s cheques sent to Emesim and associates.
Investigators said the funds were frequently withdrawn in cash or redirected to accounts belonging to relatives, business entities, and contacts in Nigeria.
Federal prosecutors described the scheme as a sustained pattern of financial deception that targeted emotionally vulnerable individuals, including elderly victims.
Officials from the FBI Louisville Field Office said the defendant exploited victims over more than a decade before law enforcement intervention led to his prosecution.
During sentencing, the court described the conduct as severe, noting the financial and psychological harm caused.
Under federal sentencing rules, Emesim is expected to serve at least 85 percent of the prison term, followed by three years of supervised release.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI, while prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kate Dieruf.
